
And it’s easier to get into than Tahoe because the roads are typically clear of traffic and snow. Make base camp at a rustic cabin in the communities of Tamarack, Arnold, or Camp Connell, then drive on until you hit the snow.Īrnold is only three hours from San Francisco or San Jose. If you’re looking for snow close to the San Francisco Bay Area, the tiny mountain resort of Bear Valley is calling your name.
#JULIAN IN XMAS SNOW HOW TO#
Read our complete guides to the best things to do in Yosemite, two days in Yosemite itinerary, and how to get from San Francisco to Yosemite. Practical info: Snow chains or winter tires and all-wheel drive vehicles are required to drive into Yosemite National Park during the winter months.
#JULIAN IN XMAS SNOW FULL#
Get the full winter Yosemite Valley experience by staying at a cozy lodge, where you can fuel up on hot chocolate by a log fire. Held in December, this long-running tradition is a bucket-list-worthy event. There’s also the weird and wonderful Bracebridge Dinner, an annual pageant/dinner at the storied Ahwahnee Hotel. With 22 miles of trails, cross-country skiing is another popular winter activity in Yosemite National Park. You can go ice skating at Half Dome and skiing at Badger Pass, both of which are unusual for national parks in California. It’s an event that attracts photographers from around the world, hoping to get that spectacular shot.Īnd, as one of America’s oldest national parks (second to Yellowstone), Yosemite National Park has a few quirky traditions in the winter. If you get your timing right in February, you may catch the elusive Firefall, when the setting sun appears to set Horsetail Falls on fire for a few fleeting moments. It’s my favorite season to visit when snow frosts the sequoias and the crowds melt away. Yosemite pretty much turns into Narnia over the winter. Looking for more things to do? Read our guides to the best things to do in Lake Tahoe and the difference between North vs. Practical info: Lift passes are like gold dust at Kirkwood during the peak holiday periods – secure yours early if you plan to go.

Tahoe is one of the places that snows in California in December, but if there’s not enough natural snow, the ski resorts make their own with giant snow guns. The snowboard and skiing season usually starts in late November or early December. Serious skiers should also check out Kirkwood, which is consistently one of the snowiest places in California. It’s also rated as one of the best places to snowboard in California. Non-skiers can also enjoy the experience by taking a scenic gondola ride to the top.īesides skiing, Heavenly offers plenty of winter activities as well, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and tubing. Take a moment at the top of the chairlift to appreciate views of a sapphire-blue Lake Tahoe ringed by snow-covered mountains before hurtling down the mountain. This is also where you’ll find some of the most scenic slopes in California. If you enjoy a night of hard partying after a day on the slopes, this is your spot. Straddling the Nevada-California border, South Lake Tahoe is a glamorous resort town with casinos, fine dining, and shopping at the base of the mountain. In Southern California, you can find snow not too far from Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains at Mount San Jacinto and Mount San Antonio. In Northern California, the Cascade range, which straddles the border with Oregon, is a stunning snowy destination in the winter. The Western Sierras are easy to get to from the Bay Area, while the Eastern Sierras are not too far from Las Vegas. The best places to see California snow are all at elevation. Where can you find the best snow cabins in California?.Where are the best places to snowboard and ski in California?.Where are the best places to find snow near the Bay Area?.Where are the best places to find snow near Los Angeles?.Where to Find Snow in Southern California.

